Data shows that today 42 million Americans smoke and among them almost 70% want to quit. There are different smoking cessation methods, but which of them are most effective?

Newest researches say that most effective methods to quit smoking are behavioral interventions (phone counseling, self-help methods, one-on-one counseling) and medications (bupropion, nicotine replacement, varenicline). These methods give good results when used alone or in combination.

Experts say that it is likely that e-cigarettes do not help to quit smoking and this is nothing but a myth. Due to the fact that they cannot claim this for sure, they do not prevent doctors from advicing this cessation method to smokers. There is a need of many studies on the subject in order to make clear statements about e-cigarettes effects.

35% doctors do recommend e-cigarettes to their patients wanting to quit. Up to date there were published only two researches which randomly assigned people to use e-cigarettes or placebo. The results of these studies were inconclusive. Though there is few information about e-cigarettes, scientists keep from saying these devices may be used for quitting. It is unknown what substances and in what amounts are found in liquids for those devices and this arises great concerns.

Let us move to effective cessation methods.

Studies showed that self-help materials and counseling improved smoking cessation rates from 7% to 13% in comparison with 5% to 11% who did not receive the support. Medications helped to improve quit rates for both groups. Thus smokers who used bupropion increased two times their chances of quitting.

Scientists told that one in six pregnant women smoke and a quarter of pregnant females confessed they smoked in the three months prior to conceiving. However, there is no info about what cessation methods are safe for them.

Using nicotine replacement therapy together with bupropion is much more effective than use those methods alone.